|
The Gospel of the Holy Twelve
Translated from the original Aramaic
by Rev. G.J.R. Ouseley |
Section 10, Lections
90 Thru 96
What
Is Truth?
1.
AGAIN the twelve were gathered together in the Circle of palm trees, and one
of them even Thomas said to the other, What is Truth? for the same things
appear different to different minds, and even to the same mind at different
times. What, then, is Truth?
2. And as they were speaking Iesus
appeared in their midst and said, Truth, one and absolute, is in God alone,
for no man, neither any body of men, knoweth that which God alone knoweth, who
is the All in All.. To men is Truth revealed, according to their capacity to
understand and receive.
3. The One Truth hath many sides, and
one seeth one side only, another seeth another, and some see more than others,
according as it is given to them.
4.
Behold this crystal: how the one
light its manifest in twelve faces, yea four times twelve, and each face
reflecteth one ray of light, and one regardeth one face, and another another,
but it is the one crystal and the one light that shineth in all.
5. Behold again, When one climbeth a
mountain and attaining one height, he saith, This is the top of the mountain,
let us reach it, and when they have reached that height, lo, they see another
beyond it until they come to that height from which no other height is to be
seen, if so be they can attain it.
6. So it is with Truth. I am the
Truth and the Way and the Life, and have given to you the Truth I have
received from above. And that which is seen and received by one, is not seen
and received by another. That which appeareth true to some, seemeth not true
to others. They who are in the valley see not as they who are on the hill top.
7. But to each, it is the Truth as
the one mind seeth it, and for that time, till a higher Truth shall be
revealed unto the same: and to the soul which receiveth higher light, shall be
given more light. Wherefore condemn not others, that ye be not condemned.
8. As ye keep the holy Law of Love,
which I have given unto you, so shall the Truth be revealed more and more unto
you, and the Spirit of Truth which cometh from above shall guide you, albeit
through many wanderings, into all Truth, even as the fiery cloud guided the
children of Israel through the wilderness.
9. Be faithful to the light ye have,
till a higher light is given to you. Seek more light, and ye shall have
abundantly; rest not, till ye find.
10. God giveth you all Truth, as a
ladder with many steps, for the salvation and perfection of the soul, and the
truth which seemeth to day, ye will abandon for the higher truth of the
morrow. Press ye unto Perfection.
11. Whoso keepeth the holy Law which
I have given, the same shall save their souls, however differently they may
see the truths which I have given.
12.
Many shall say unto me, Lord,
Lord, we have been zealous for thy Truth. But I shall say unto them, Nay, but,
that others may see as ye see, and none other truth beside. Faith without
charity is dead. Love is the fulfilling of the Law.
13. How shall faith in what they
receive profit them that hold it in unrighteousness? They who have love have
all things, and without love there is nothing worth. Let each hold what they
see to be the truth in love, knowing that where love is not, truth is a dead
letter and profiteth nothing.
14. There abide Goodness, and Truth,
and Beauty, but the greatest of these is Goodness. If any have hatred to their
fellows, and harden their hearts to the creatures of God’s hands, how can
they see Truth unto salvation, seeing their eyes are blinded and their hearts
are hardened to God’s creation?
15. As I have reveived the Truth, so
have I given it to you. Let each receive it according to their light and
ability to understand, and persecute not those who receive it after a
different interpretation.
16. For Truth is the Might of God,
and it shall prevail in the end over all errors. But the holy Law which I have
given is plain for all, and just and good. Let all observe it for the
salvation of their souls.
LECTION
90. 4. -The art of cutting and polishing glass and stone was well known in
Phoenicia and Egypt, before the Christian era, and in Pompeii numbers of such
crystals were found in great variety. It is a beautiful symbol
appealing to the mind.
LECTION
90. 12. -Our Lord never damned or blamed those who could not see the divine
truths, which he taught, and receive them. He had patience with them, as being
without the fold, without light, and not admissible to the Kingdom, so long as
they remained in their darkness and impenitence and self-doomed to eternal death
if they
persisted.
The
Order of the Kingdom. (Part I.)
1. In
that time after Iesus had risen from the dead he tarried ninety days with Mary
his mother and Mary Magdalene, who anointed his body, and Mary Cleophas and
the twelve, and their fellows, instructing them and answering questions
concerning the kingdom of God.
2. And as they sat at supper—when
it was even— Mary Magdalene asked him, saying, Master, wilt thou now declare
unto us the Order of the Kingdom?
3. And Iesus answered and said,
Verily I say unto thee, O Mary, and to each of any disciples, The kingdom of
Heaven is within you. But the time cometh when that which is within shall be
made manifest in the without, for the sake of the world.
4. Order indeed is good, and needful,
but before all things is love. Love ye one another and all the creatures of
God, and by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.
5.
AND one asked him saying, Master,
wilt thou that infants be received into the congregation in like manner as
Moses commanded by circumcision? And Jesus answered, For those who are in
Christ there is no cutting of the flesh, nor shedding of blood.
6. Let the infant of eight clays be
Presented unto the Father-Mother, who is in Heaven, with prayer and
thanksgiving, and let a name be given to it by its parents, and let the
presbyter sprinkle pure water upon it, according to that which is written in
the prophets, and let its parents see to it that it is brought up in the ways
of righteousness, neither eating flesh, nor drinking strong drink, nor hurting
the creatures which God hath given into the hands of man to protect .
7. AGAIN one said unto him, Master,
how wilt thou when they grow up? And Jesus said, After seven years, or when
they begin to know the evil from the good, and learn to choose the good, let
them come unto me and receive the blessing at the hands of the presbyter or
the angel of the church with prayer and thanksgiving, and let them be
admonished to keep from flesh eating and strong drink, and from hunting the
innocent creatures of God, for shall they be lower than the horse or the sheep
to whom these things are against nature?
8. And again he said, If there come
to us any that eat flesh and drink strong drink, shall we receive them? And Iesus
said unto him, Let such abide in the outer court till they cleanse themselves
from these grosser evils; for till they perceive, and repent of these, they
are not fit to receive the higher mysteries.
9. AND another asked him saying, When
wilt thou that they receive Baptism? And Iesus answered, After another seven
years, or when they know the doctrine, and do that which is good, and learn to
work with their own hands, and choose a craft whereby they may live, and are
stedfastly set on the right way. Then let them ask for initiation, and let the
angel or presbyter of the church examine them and see if they are worthy, and
let him offer thanksgiving and prayer, and bury them in the waters of
separation, that they may rise to newness of life, confessing God as their
Father and Mother, vowing to obey the Holy Law, and keep themselves separate
from the evil in the world.
10. AND another asked him, Master, at
what time shall they receive the Anointing? And Iesus answered, When they have
reached the age of maturity, and manifested in themselves the sevenfold gifts
of the Spirit, then let the angel offer prayer and thanksgiving and seal them
with the seal of the Chrism. It is good that all be tried in each degree seven
years. Nevertheless let it be unto each according to their growth in the love,
and the wisdom of God.
LECTION
91. 5. -The idea of baptizing unconscious infants seems never to have
entered the mind of Jesus. He blessed them, but he also blessed other animals,
and things that had no sentient life. Baptism implies belief and confession of
faith and repentance from evil works and
ways.
LECTION
91. 6. -0ver 2,000 years before Christ there existed on the shores of
Lake Meeris, in Egypt, a labyrinth of seven circular wall-enclosed winding
paths, represented by Boticelli in one of his engravings, which we here
reproduce adapted for Christian rites. This was used by the Egyptians in their
initiations as a symbol of life, and the wanderings of the soul in the flesh,
till "seven times seven" times purified and meet to appear before God.
Cont
LECTION
91. 7-8. -In the Editor's former work "Palingenesia, or Earth's New
Birth," 1884, incorporating some Ideas from this Gospel (part of which he
had then received) these two rites referred to, by some oversight were
transposed. Here, as in" Church of the Future" 1896, by the same
Editor, the correct order is given. It is at present
out of print.
The
Order of the Kingdom. (Part II.)
1.
AND another asked him saying, Master, wilt thou that there be marriages among
us as it is among the nations of earth? And Iesus answered, saying, Among some
it is the custom that one woman may marry several men, who shall say unto her,
Be thou our wife and take away our reproach. Among others it is the custom,
that one man may marry several women, and who shall say unto him, Be thou our
husband and take away our reproach, for they who love feel it is a reproach to
be unloved.
2. But unto you my disciples, I shew
a better and more perfect way, even this, that marriage should be between one
man and one woman, who by perfect love and sympathy are united, and that while
love and life do last, howbeit in perfect freedom. But let them see to it that
they have perfect health, and that they truly love each other in all purity,
and not for worldly advantage only, and then let them plight their troth one
to another before witnesses.
3. Then, when the time is come, let
the angel or presbyter offer prayer and thanksgiving and bind them with the
scarlet cord, if ye will, and crown them, and lead them thrice around the
altar and let them eat of one bread and drink of one cup. Then holding their
hands together, let him say to them in this wise, Be ye two in one, blessed be
the holy union, you whom God doth join together let no man put asunder, so
long as life and love do last.
4.
And if they bear children, let
them do so with discretion and prudence according to their ability to maintain
them. Nevertheless to those who would be perfect and to whom it is given, I
say, let them be as the angels of God in Heaven, who neither marry nor are
given in marriage, nor have children, nor care for the morrow, but are free
from bonds, even as I am, and keep and store up the power of God within, for
their ministry, and for works of healing, even as I have done. But the many
cannot receive this saying, only they to whom it is given.
5. AND another asked him saying,
Master, in what manner shall we offer the Holy Oblation? And Iesus answered,
saying, The oblation which God loveth in secret is a pure heart. But for a
Memorial of worship offer ye unleavened bread, mingled wine, oil and incense.
When ye come together in one place to offer the Holy Oblation, the lamps being
lighted, let him who presideth, even the angel of the church, or the
presbyter, having clean hands and a pure heart, take from the things offered,
unleavened bread and mingled wine with incense.
6.
And let him give thanks over them
and bless them, calling upon the Father-Mother in Heaven to send their Holy
Spirit that it may come upon and make them to be the Body and Blood, even the
Substance and Life of the Eternal, which is ever being broken and shed for
all.
7. And let him lift it up toward
Heaven and pray for all, even for those who are gone before, for those who are
yet alive, and for those who are yet to come As I have taught you, so pray ye,
and after this let him break the bread and put a fragment in the cup, and then
bless the holy union, and then let him give unto the faithful, saying after
this manner, This is the body of the Christ even the substance of God (ever
being broken and shed, for you and for all), unto eternal life. As ye have
seen me do, so do ye also, in the spirit of love, for the words I speak unto
you, they are spirit and they are life.
LECTION
92. 4. -Here we have further proof, if any were needed, that Jesus was
brought up in the tenets and customs of the Essenes. See
"Christianity and Buddhism" (a remarkable book by Arthur Lillie) for
the full discussion of the subject.
v.
6. -Similar
were the rites of Mithra. From the days of Noah and Melchizedek these pure
mysteries were celebrated -though not in the fulness of the light of
Christ.
The
Order of the Kingdom. (Part III.)
1.
AND another spake, saying, Master, if one have committed a sin, can a man
remit or retain his sin? And Iesus said, God forgiveth all sin to those who
repent, but as ye sow, so also must ye reap; Neither God nor man can remit the
sins of those who repent nor nor forsake their sins; nor yet retain the sins
of those who forsake them. But if one being in the spirit seeth clearly that
any repent and forsake their sins, such may truly say unto the penitent, Thy
sins are forgiven thee, for All sin is remitted by repentance and amendment
and they are loosed from it, who forsake it and bound to it, who continue it.
2. Nevertheless the fruits of the sin
must continue for a season, for as we sew so must we reap, for God is not
mocked, and they who sow to the flesh shall reap corruption, they who sow to
the spirit shall reap life, everlasting. Wherefore if any forsake their sins
and confess them, let the presbyter say unto such in this wise, May God
forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to everlasting life. All sin against God
is forgiven by God, and sin against man by man.
3. AND another asked him, saying, If
any be sick among us, shall we have power to heal even as thou dost? And Jesus
answered, This power cometh of perfect chastity and of faith. They who are
born of God keep their seed within them.
4. Nevertheless if any be sick among
you, let them send for the presbyters of the church that they may anoint them
with oil of olive in the Name of de Lord, and the prayer of faith, and the
going out of power, with the voice of thanksgiving, shall raise them up, if
they are not detained by sin, of this, or a former life.
5. AND another asked him saying,
Master, how shall the holy assembly be ordered and who shall minister therein?
And Jesus answered. When my disciples are gathered in my name let them choose
from among themselves true and faithful men and women, who shall be ministers
and counsellors in temporal things and provide for the necessities of the
poor, and those who cannot work, and let these look to the ordering of the
goods of the church, and assist at the Oblation, and let these be your
deacons, with their helps.
6. And when these have given proof,
of their ministry, let them choose from them, those who have spiritual gifts,
whether of guidance, or of prophecy, or of preaching and of teaching and
healing, that they may edify the flock, offer the holy Oblation and minister
the mysteries of God and let these be your presbyter, and their helps.
7. And from these who have served
well in their degree let one be chosen who is counted most worthy, and let him
preside over all and he shall be your Angel. And let the Angel ordain the
deacons and consecrate the presbyters—anoint them and laying their hands
upon them and breathing upon them that they may receive the Holy Spirit for
the office to which they are called. And as for the Angel let one of the
higher ministry anoint and consecrate him, even one of the Supreme Council.
8. For as I send Apostles and
Prophets so also I send Evangelists And Pastors—the eight and forty pillars
of the tabernacle—that by the ministry of the four I may build up and
perfect my Church. and they shall sit in Jerusalem a holy congregation, each
with his helper and deacon, and to them shall the scattered congregations
refer in all matters pertaining to the Church. And as light cometh so shall
they rule and guide and edify and teach my holy Church. They shall receive
light from all, and to all shall they give more light.
9. And forget not with your prayers
and supplications intercessions and giving of thanks, to offer the incense, as
it is written in the last of your prophets, saying, From the rising of the sun
unto the setting of the same incense shall be offered unto My Name in all
places with a pure oblation, for My Name shall be great among the Gentiles.
10. For verily I say unto you,
incense is the memorial of the intercession of the saints within the veil,
with words that cannot be uttered.
The
Order of the Kingdom. (Part IV.)
1.
AND another asked him, saying, Master, how wilt thou that we bury our dead?
And Iesus answered, Seek ye council of the deacons in this matter, for it
concerneth the body only. Verily, I say, unto you there is no death to those
who believe in the life to come. Death, as ye deemed it, is the door to life,
and the grave is the gate to resurrection, for those who believe and obey.
Mourn ye not, nor weep for them that have left you, but rather rejoice for
their entrance into life.
2. As all creatures come forth from
the unseen into this world, so they return to the unseen, and so will they
come again till they be purified. Let the bodies of them that depart be
committed to the elements, and the Father-Mother, who reneweth all things,
shall give the angels charge over them, and let the presbyter pray that their
bodies may rest in peace, and their souls awake to a joyful resurrection.
3. There is a resurrection from the
body, and there is a resurrection in the body. There is a raising out of the
life of the flesh, and there is a falling into the life of the flesh. Let
prayer be made For those who are gone before, and For those that are alive,
and For those that are yet to come, for all are One family in God. In God they
live and move and have their being.
4. The body that ye lay in the grave,
or that is consumed by fire, is not the body that shall be, but they who come
shall receive other bodies, yet their own, and as they have sown in one life,
so shall they reap in another. Blessed are they who have worked righteousness
in this life, for they shall receive the crown of life.
5. AND another asked him, saying,
Master, under the law Moses clad the priests with garments of beauty for their
ministration in the Temple. Shall we also clothe them to whom we commit the
ministry of sacred things as thou hast taught us? And Iesus answered, White
linen is the righteousness of the Saints, but the time truly cometh when Zion
shall be desolate, and after the time of her affliction is past, she shall
arise and put on her beautiful garments as it is written.
6. But seek ye first the kingdom of
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. In all things
seek simplicity, and give not occasion to vain glory. Seek ye first to be
clothed with charity, and the garment of salvation and the robe of
righteousness.
7.
For what doth it profit if ye have
not these? As the sound of brass and tinkling of cymbal are ye, if ye have not
love. Seek ye righteousness and love and peace, and all things of beauty shall
be added to you.
8. AND yet another asked him, saving,
Master, how many of the rich and mighty will enter into life and join us who
are poor and despised. How, then, shall we carry on the work of God in the
regeneration of mankind? And Iesus said, This also is a matter for the deacons
of the church in council with the elders.
9. But when my disciples are come
together on the Sabbath, at even, or in the morning of the first day of the
week, let them each bring an offering of a tithe, or the tithe of a tithe of
their increase, as God doth prosper them, and put it in the treasury, for the
maintenance of the church and the ministry, and the works thereof. For I say
unto you, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
10.
So shall all things be done,
decently and in order, And the rest will the Spirit set in order who
proceedeth from the Father-Mother in heaven. I have instructed you now in
first principles, and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the Age.
LECTION
94. 7. -From this, as from other words of the Master on previous occasions,
it is evident that his servant Paul borrowed from him many of the ideas, and
similes and wise sayings scattered through his Epistles, and not Paul only, but
also the other Apostles. (See also verse 9).
v.
10. -It has
been alleged that the laying down of rites and ordinances for Christianity has
been the cause of division and strife in all countries. Nay, rather have not
these divisions and dissensions been caused by the omission of the directions
given by the One Head acknowledged by all during the period between his
resurrection and ascension and the generation immediately after, and the
handling of them down by that tradition so liable to corruption in place of the
written record. But much more were these divisions and dissensions caused by the
interpolation of dogmas not making for goodness and unity, by the suppression
from the records of the vital essence in the holy law given by Iesus on the
Mount, which, had it been preached and known and obeyed by all, would have made
the earth a paradise in place of a hen for the weak and the helpless.
The
Ascension.
1.
AND Iesus after he had shewed himself alive to his disciples after his
resurrection, and sojourned with them for ninety days, teaching and speaking
of the Kingdom, and the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, and had
finished all things that he had to do, led forth the twelve with Mary
Magdalene, and Joseph his father and Mary his mother, and the other holy women
as far as Bethany to a mountain called Olivet, where he had appointed them.
2. And when they saw him as he stood
in the midst of them, they worshipped him, but some doubted. And Iesus spake
unto them, saying, Behold, I have chosen you from among men, and have given
you the Law, and the Word of truth.
3. I have set you as the light of the
world, and as a city that cannot be hid. But the time cometh when darkness
shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people, and the enemies of truth
and righteousness shall rule in my Name, and set up a kingdom of this world,
and oppress the peoples, and cause the enemy to blaspheme, putting for my
doctrines the opinions of men, and teaching in my Name that which I have not
taught, and darkening much that I have taught by their traditions.
4. But be of good cheer, for the time
will also come when the truth they have hidden shall be manifested, and the
light shall shine, and the darkness shall pass away, and the true kingdom
shall be established which shall be in the world, but not of it, and the Word
of righteousness and love shall go forth from the Centre, even the holy city
of Mount Zion, and the Mount which is in the land of Egypt shall be known as
an altar of witness unto the Lord.
5.
And now I go to my Parent and your
Parent, my God and your God. But ye, tarry in Jerusalem, and abide in prayer,
and after seven days ye shall receive power from on high, and the promise of
the Holy Spirit shall be fulfilled unto you, and ye shall go forth from
Jerusalem unto all the tribes of Israel, and to the uttermost parts of the
earth.
6. And having said these things, he
lifted up his pure and holy hands and blessed them. And it came to pass that
while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and a cloud, as the sun in
brightness, received him out of their sight, and as he went up some held him
by the feet and others worshipped him, falling to the earth on their faces.
7. And while they gazed steadfastly
into heaven, behold two stood by them in white apparel, and said, Ye men of
Israel, why stand ye gazing into thee, heaven; this same Jesus who is taken
from you in a cloud, and as ye have seen him go into heaven, so shall he come
again to the earth.
8.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem
from the Mount of Olives, which is from the city a Sabbath day’s journey.
And as they returned they missed Mary Magdalene, and they looked for her, but
found her not. And some of the disciples said, The Master hath taken her, and
they marvelled and were in great awe.
9.
Now it was midsummer when Jesus
ascended into heaven, and he had not yet attained his fiftieth year, for it
was needful that seven times seven years should be fulfilled in his life.
10. Yea, that he might be perfected
by the suffering of all experiences, and be an example unto all, to children
and parents, to the married and the celibates, to youth and those of full age,
yea, and unto all ages and conditions of mortal life.
LECTION
95. 5. -There is no doubt that the "power" here referred to
means the spiritual power which we read of as exercised by the followers of
Jesus and other great prophets in all ages more or less. Taking the various
accounts in the Gospel and ecclesiastical history as correct, miracles (i.e.,
wondrous works wrought by the exercise of faith and will power and often by
the uses of subtle forces of nature, quite natural, but seemingly supernatural
to those in ignorance of these forces) were of frequent occurrences in those
days, even as they are in these days, but better understood, false miracles
being no proof of the non-existence of true ones. Often they would be the effect
exercised on the minds and imaginations of vast numbers of the poor and
afl1icted, the diseased and suffering of humanity by faith in some great
champions of the oppressed, themselves destroyed by the oppressor, yet realised
by faith, if not by actual knowledge as still living and acting, with hands
outstretched to heal and bless those who invoked their aid.
v.
9. -From the
testimony of the Jews, John viii. 57, A. V., it appears that Jesus at
that time was not far from fifty years of age, and this is supported by S.
lrenmus, 120-200 A.D., who appeals to the gospel as received by those of his day
and to all the elders as testifying the same," those who were conversant in
Asia with John, the disciple of the Lord, affirming that John conveyed to them
this tradition." "Some of them," he says again, "not only
saw John but the other Apostles also, and heard the very same tradition from
them. Bond bear testimony to the truth of the statement."
The
Editor of this Gospel has been credibly informed by an esteemed friend of his,
"a Syrian Bishop," and a relative of the late learned Pope Pius IX.,
that he frequently (in private) assured him that he firmly held this (as a
private opinion), the present time (1870) not being yet ripe for a public
declaration on this and similar subjects, now introduced into the notes to this
and other publications of the O.A.
LECTION
95. 8. -Mary Magdalene was chosen by our Lord as a type of the Church, in
her fallen condition, redeemed by His love, and would be fitly one of the first
fruits taken to be with her Lord, as Ioseph and Mary were after. She was the
constant companion of Iesus' Ministry, to him she ministered of her substance,
she anointed him for his Ministry, and for his Burial. She was the last at the
Cross, and the first at the Tomb, and to her aJone He gave the commission,
" Go tell Peter," and wheresoever the Gospel was to be preached, her
love and devotion to her Master were to be declared.
The
Pouring Out Of The Spirit.
1.
AND as the disciples were gathered together in the upper room when they
returned from the Mount, they all continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication, and their number was about one hundred and twenty.
2. And in that day James stood up and
said; Men and brethren, it is known unto you how the Lord, before he left us,
chose Peter to preside over us and watch over us in his Name; and how it must
needs be that one of those who have been with us and a witness to his
resurrection be chosen and appointed to take his place.
3. And they chose two called Barsabas
and Matthias, and they prayed and said, Thou lord, who knowest the hearts of
all men, shew which of these two thou hast chosen to take part in this
Apostleship from which thou dost raise thy servant Peter to preside over us.
4. And they gave forth their lots,
and the lot fell upon Matthias, and the Twelve received him, and he was
numbered among the Apostles.
5. Then John and James separated
Peter from their number by laying on of hands, that he might preside over them
in the Name of the Lord, saying, Brother be thou as a hewn stone, sixsquared.
Even thou, Petros, which art Petra, bearing witness to the Truth on every
side.
6. And to the Apostles were given
staves to guide their steps in the ways of truth, and crowns of glory withal;
and to the Prophets burning lamps to shew light on the path and censers with
fire; and to the Evangelists the book of the holy law to recall the people to
the first principles; and to the Pastors were given the cup and platter to
feed and nourish the flock.
7. But to none was given aught that
was not given to all, for all were one priesthood under the Christ as their
Master Great High Priest in the Temple of God; and to the Deacons were given
baskets that they might carry therein the things needful for the holy worship.
And the number was about one hundred and twenty, Peter presiding over them.
8. AND when the third day had fully
come they were all with one accord in the one place, and as they prayed there
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and the room in which
they were assembled was shaken, and it filled the place.
9. And there appeared cloven tongues
of flame like fire, and sat upon the head of each of them. And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave
them utterance. And Peter stood up and preached the Law of Christ unto the
multitude of all nations and tongues who were gathered together by the report
of what had been seen and heard, each man hearing in his own tongue wherein he
was born.
10. And of them that listened there
were gathered unto the Church that day, three thousand souls, and they
received the Holy Law, repented of their sins, and were baptized and continued
stedfastly in the Apostles’ fellowship and worship, and the Oblation and
prayers.
11. And they who believed gave up
their possessions, and had all things in common and abode together in one
place, shewing the love and the goodness of God to their brothers and sisters
and to all creatures, and working with their hands for the common weal.
12. And from these there were called
twelve to be Prophets with the Apostles, and twelve to be Evangelists and
twelve to be Pastors, and their Helps were added unto them, and Deacons of the
Church Universal, and they numbered one hundred and twenty. And thus was the
Tabernacle of David set up, with living men filled with goodness, even as the
Master had shewn unto them.
13. And to the Church in Jerusalem
was given James the Lord’s brother for its president and Angel, and under
him four and twenty priests in a fourfold ministry, and helpers and deacons
also. And after six days many came together, and there were added six thousand
men and women who received the holy Law of Love, and they received the word
with gladness.
14. AND as they gathered together on
the Lord’s Day after the Sabbath was past, and were offering the holy
Oblation, they missed Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. And they made
search but found them not.
15. And some of them said, Surely the
Lord hath taken them away, as he did Magdalene. And they were filled with awe,
and sung praises to God.
16. And the Spirit of God came upon
the Apostles and the Prophets with them and, remembering what the Lord had
taught them, with one voice they confessed and praised God, saying.
17. We believe in One God: the
Infinite, the Secret Fount, the Eternal Parent: Of Whom are all things
invisible and visible. The ALL in all, through all around all. The holy Twain,
in whom all things consist; Who hath been, Who is, Who shall be.
18. We believe in one Lord our Lady,
the perfect holy Christ: God of God, Light of light begotten. Our Lord, the
Father, Spouse and Son. Our Lady, the Mother, Bride and Daughter. Three Modes
in one Essence undivided: One Biune Trinity. That God may be manifest as the
Father, Spouse and Son of every soul: and that every soul may be perfected as
the Mother, Bride and Daughter of God
19. And this by ascent of the soul
into the spirit and the descent of the spirit into the soul. Who cometh from
heaven, and is incarnate of the Virgin ever blessed, in Jesu-Maria and every
Christ of God: and is born and teacheth the way of life and suffereth under
the world rulers, and is crucified, and is buried and descendeth into Hell.
Who riseth again and ascendeth into glory; from thence giving light and life
to all.
20. We believe in the Sevenfold
Spirit of God, the Life-Giver: Who proceedeth from the holy Twain. Who cometh
upon Jesu-Maria and all that are faithful to the light within: Who dwelleth in
the Church, the Israel elect of God. Who cometh ever into the world and
lighteth every soul that seeks. Who giveth the Law which judgeth the living
and the dead, Who speaketh by the Prophets of every age and clime.
21. We believe in One Holy Universal
and Apostolic Church: the Witness to all truth, the Receiver and Giver of the
same. Begotten of the Spirit and Fire of God: Nourished by the waters, seeds
and fruits of earth. Who by the Spirit of Life, her twelve Books and
Sacraments, her holy words and works: knitteth together the elect in one
mystical communion and atoneth humanity with God. Making us partakers of the
Divine Life and Substance: betokening the same in holy Symbols.
22. And we look for the coming of the
Universal Christ: and the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness.
And the holy City whose gates are Twelve: wherein are the Temple and Altar of
God. Whence proceed three Orders in fourfold ministry: to teach all truth and
offer the daily sacrifice of praise.
23. As in the inner so in the outer:
as in the great so in the small. As above, so below: as in heaven so in earth.
We believe in the Purification of the soul: through many births and
experiences. The Resurrection from the dead: and the Life everlasting of the
just. The Ages of Ages: and Rest in God for ever.—Amun.
24. And as the smoke of the incense
arose, there was heard the sound as of many bells, and a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying:
25. Glory, honour, praise and worship
be to God; the Father,, Spouse, and Son: One with the Mother, Bride and Maid:
From Whom proceedeth the Eternal Spirit: By whom are all created things. From
the Ages of Ages. Now: and to the Ages of Ages—Amun—Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
26. And if any man take from, or add,
to the words of this Gospel, or hide, as under a bushel, the light thereof,
which is given by the Spirit through us, the twelve witnesses chosen of God,
for the enlightenment of the world unto salvation: Let him be Anathema
Maranatha, until the coming of Christ Jesu-Maria, our Saviour, with all the
Holy Saints.
27. For them that believe, these
things are true. For them that believe not, they are as an idle tale. But to
those with perceiving minds and hearts, regarding the spirit rather than the
letter which killeth, they are spiritual verities.
28. For the things that are written
are true, not because they are written, but rather they are written because
they are true, and these are written that ye may believe with your hearts, and
proclaim with your mouths to the salvation of many. Amen.
Here
endeth the Holy Gospel of the Perfect Life of Jesu-Maria, the Christ, the Son
of David after the Flesh, the Son of God after the Spirit. Glory be to God by
Whose power and help it has been written.
LECTION
96. 1. -This number, 120, has many mystic significances, and was
foreshadowed by the number of souls saved in the Ark at the Flood ("The
Original Genesis"), which included 48 (i.e., double 7 + 34) + 72, a
number of deep mystic significance.
v.
2. -The manifestations described here have been repeated in modern
times. What God does in one age, whether by angels, spirits, or adepts in the
flesh, the same unchanging God repeats in another. Whether the miracle
respecting the preaching of Peter took place in the persons of the Apostles, or
in their hearers, we have no means of ascertaining, but the fact remains. Most
probably in the hearing of the hearers, so that each was enabled spiritually to
understand. or else all were moved to speak and to hear in a tongue common to
all. Cont